Ultra-Smashed Burgers

ground beef

🥗Healthier: lean ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Lean ground turkey is lower in fat, while ground pork is often less expensive.

burger buns

🥗Healthier: whole grain buns

💰Cheaper: white bread

Whole grain buns offer more fiber, while white bread can be a budget-friendly option.

Prepare burger bun by laying toppings on the bottom bun. Have it nearby and ready for when your burger is cooked.

Preheat a large stainless steel sauté pan or skillet over high heat for 2 minutes. Place balls of beef in the pan, and smash down with a stiff metal spatula or a clean mortaring trowel, pressing as firmly as possible to create a thin patty that is wider than the bun.

Season generously with salt and pepper and allow to cook until well-browned and top is beginning to turn pale pink/gray in spots, about 45 seconds. Using a bench scraper or razor wall scraper, carefully scrape burger patties from pan, making sure to get all of the browned bits.

Flip patties and immediately place a slice of cheese over one patty and stack the second directly on top. Immediately remove from pan and transfer to waiting burger bun. Serve.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens